Northern Row Brewery & Distillery is throwing open its doors this Sunday, October 11, for the first-ever Cincy Whiskey Fest, a three-hour afternoon celebration of the region's whiskey scene packed with tastings, expert judging and a people's choice vote. The event runs from 1 to 4 p.m. at the brewery's Over-the-Rhine location and brings local and regional distillers together.
According to Cincinnati CityBeat, the festival brings together 11 local and regional distilleries for an event that mixes guided and self-guided tastings with a live judging competition. Northern Row itself operates as an Over-the-Rhine brewery and distillery, and the event unfolds at its taproom, located at 111 W. McMicken Avenue, as confirmed by Cincinnati Magazine. Cincinnati Magazine reports 10 distilleries and 20 whiskeys, compared with CityBeat's 11 distilleries.
Whatever the final tally of pourers, attendees will have plenty to work with. Guests can sample a wide range of American whiskey styles across the afternoon, per CityBeat, with both guided tasting sessions and a self-guided passport format letting people wander at their own pace.
Judging Panel and the People's Choice Vote
The fest isn't just about sipping — it's also a competition. Brandon Spinner is among the judges. Joining him on the panel are Molly Wellmann, Brad Bonds of Revival Vintage Bottle Shop and Adam of Whiskey & Pancakes, all tasked with evaluating the lineup alongside attendees, who get their own say by casting a vote for a people's choice award, per CityBeat.
Brenden Douglass, quoted in CityBeat's coverage, said Cincinnati has a great whiskey history and interesting regional distilling activity — a nod to the kind of local pride organizers are hoping the festival will spotlight.
Ticket Tiers and What's Included
Admission comes in two flavors. General admission tickets cost $50 and include a tasting passport with samples of each participating whiskey, according to CityBeat. VIP tickets run $100 and add a guided tasting with Brandon Spinner, a distillery tour, a choice of a featured cocktail or full pour, plus samples of unreleased whiskies. Both ticket levels, per CityBeat, are available through Northern Row's website, and the fest is presented by Northern Liberties Whiskey Co. and Whiskey Weather.
Northern Row's Whiskey Roots
Northern Liberties Whiskey Co. serves as Northern Row's in-house distilling operation, a detail confirmed by both CityBeat and WCPO. The brewery and distillery first began distilling and aging its own craft gins, rums and vodkas back in 2017, WCPO reports, laying the groundwork for the bourbon and whiskey program that now anchors this weekend's festival.
The timing fits a broader moment for spirits in the Buckeye State. Ohio's craft spirits industry has seen a notable distillery boom in recent years, giving drink lovers fresh reason to pay attention to what's being made close to home, according to Wine Enthusiast. Cincy Whiskey Fest arrives as the latest entry in that growing scene, giving local distillers a dedicated stage alongside the judges and the crowd casting votes of their own.
